1959 Jaguar 3.4L XK150S Roadster

• VIN T831958DN
• Engine no. VS1742-9
• Heritage Trust Certificate

The introduction of the new XK150 in 1957 marked the most significant evolution of Jaguar's legendary XK series since the XK120's debut in 1948. In mechanical terms, the new 150 was similar to the outgoing 140, with independent front suspension, Salisbury rear axle, and rack and pinion steering. New for the 150, however, was the addition of the Dunlop four-wheel disc brakes, which were instrumental in Jaguar's five wins at Le Mans in the 1950s. The body is taller and wider overall to accommodate a more spacious cockpit, and the styling was revised with slab sides to freshen and modernize the design language. In keeping with tradition, the XK150 was available as an open two-seat roadster, drophead coupe, or closed fixed-head coupe. Power continued to come from the 3.4-liter version of the XK twin-cam inline-six, fitted with twin SU carburetors in standard form. The optional “S” package was available in 1958, which added triple 2-inch SU carbs and a straight-port C-Type cylinder head to bump output to an impressive 250 horsepower and help the XK150 live up to its Le Mans-proven roots. Only the last of the line, 3.8-liter S, would make more power in the XK series. Buyers responded well to the modernized styling and improved comfort and performance, particularly from the SE and S models, and sales were up slightly over the XK140. Ultimately, the XK150 proved to be a fitting swansong to the legendary XK line, setting the stage for the arrival of Jaguar's next sensational sports car, the E-Type.

The XK150S Roadster was originally a U.S. delivery, completed on January 12, 1959, dispatched ten days later on January 22, 1959, and shipped to the United States through Jaguar Cars New York. Currently finished in Red over Red upholstery, its original color combination was Pearl Grey over Red, verified by the Jaguar-Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate.

The paintwork is in good overall condition with excellent panel fit and gaps. The body trim and brightwork are in excellent condition. The interior has red carpets and upholstery with a black vinyl soft top and boot cover. A wooden four-spoke Jaguar steering wheel sits ahead of a central instrument panel, equipped with a 5,500-rpm redline tachometer, a 140-mph speedometer, and auxiliary gauges for the fuel level, amperage, oil pressure, and water temperature. The knock-off chrome 16" wire wheels with spinners are fitted to Michelin 185 R15 tires (date coded 2021).

In 2022, over $50,000 was spent with Hahn Auto Restoration in Harmony, Pennsylvania. Hahn did a major mechanical service between January and June of 2022. The comprehensive services included a complete overhaul of the braking system, including installing a new master cylinder, brake pads, brake hoses, and rotors. Other repairs were carried out during the same period, such as installing new spark plugs, fuel pumps, fuel lines, battery, plug wires, distributor cap, rotor, condenser, ignition, clutch master cylinder, and rebuilding the carburetors. The top frame was reupholstered with new fabric while the fuel tank was removed, stripped, repaired, and recoated with new gaskets and a fuel-sending unit. Five new Michelin 185 R15 tires were installed, and all the fluids were changed, along with a complete engine tune-up.

Mechanically powered by the matching number 3.4-liter DOHC inline six-cylinder with triple SU HD8 carburetors and C-Type cylinder head was rated at 250 horsepower. The top speed was 132 mph, and the XK150S could accelerate from 0–60 mph in 7.8 seconds. Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission, and the braking system on the XK150s was improved with four-wheel disc brakes. Thanks to its power, balanced handling, and superior comfort, driving enthusiasts rank the XK150 S Roadster as one of the BEST models in Jaguar's XK series. Given its rarity, ideal specification, and eligibility for some of the most popular driving events and concours, this XK Roadster represents an exciting opportunity for enthusiasts looking for a lovely 3.4-litre XK150 S Roadster that is well-sorted and ready to enjoy.